Cyberpunk 2077 Cyberware Guide: Capacity, Armor, Ripperdocs & Build Synergy

Announcement-stage guide, checked October 21, 2026. Check the Update 2.5 rollout overview and your installed game version before using the new features.

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Cyberpunk 2077 Cyberware Guide: Capacity, Armor, Ripperdocs & Build Synergy

Cyberware became a central build system in Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0. CD PROJEKT RED moved most armor away from clothing, introduced Cyberware Capacity and made implants more directly connected to Attributes and playstyle.

Cyberware Is Now Core Character Progression

Before Update 2.0, cyberware was important but less tightly integrated into total character defense and build identity.

Now it contributes heavily to:

• Armor.
• Mobility.
• Survivability.
• Combat abilities.
• Netrunning.
• Weapon synergy.

Cyberware Capacity

Your character has a Cyberware Capacity limit.

Every implant consumes part of that capacity.

You cannot simply install every powerful implant at once.

Capacity Increases Through Progression

CD PROJEKT RED states that Cyberware Capacity increases as your character progresses.

Additional items, progression systems and specific Perks can also affect capacity.

Edgerunner Perk

The Edgerunner Perk allows characters to exceed the normal Cyberware Capacity limit by a limited amount at a health-related cost.

This creates a deliberate high-risk build choice rather than free extra capacity.

Armor Comes Primarily From Cyberware

Update 2.0 moved most armor value from clothing onto cyberware.

That means clothing is now primarily about appearance, while implants carry much more of the defensive responsibility.

Ripperdocs

Ripperdocs remain the main place to install and manage cyberware.

Update 2.0 also allows existing implants to be upgraded from the Ripperdoc interface.

Upgrade What You Actually Use

Before spending resources, ask whether the cyberware supports the build you are playing.

An implant is useful when it improves:

• Your main damage loop.
• Your survivability.
• Your movement.
• Your hacking.
• Your chosen weapon type.

Attribute Attunement

Update 2.0 introduced Attribute attunement for cyberware.

Some implants gain additional stat benefit from specific Attributes.

This makes cyberware selection more valuable when it matches your existing Attribute investment.

Operating Systems

Your operating-system slot has a major effect on gameplay.

Cyberdeck

A Cyberdeck supports Netrunner play by enabling quickhacks and RAM-based systems.

Sandevistan

Sandevistan supports fast combat and time-dilation-focused builds.

Other Combat Systems

Other operating systems can support more direct combat playstyles.

Choose the operating system first, then build supporting implants around it.

Cyberdeck Builds

CD PROJEKT RED's official Hack-&-Slash Netrunner build demonstrates how a Cyberdeck, Intelligence, Smart Weapons and supporting cyberware can form one coherent setup.

The important lesson is synergy, not copying one exact item list.

Sandevistan Builds

The official Bullet-Time Ninja build shows how Sandevistan can anchor a Reflexes/Technical Ability setup focused on blades and movement.

Defensive Cyberware

Close-range characters generally need more defensive support because they spend more time exposed to enemy damage.

CD PROJEKT RED's official melee build examples explicitly combine offensive cyberware with armor and survivability implants.

Mobility Cyberware

Movement-focused implants can improve:

• Traversal.
• Positioning.
• Gap closing.
• Escaping dangerous areas.

These are especially valuable in builds that depend on close-range combat or rapid repositioning.

Do Not Fill Capacity With Unrelated Implants

A common mistake is equipping individually strong cyberware that does not support the same build.

Your capacity is limited, so every slot has an opportunity cost.

Upgrade vs Replace

Because cyberware can be upgraded at Ripperdocs, you do not always need to replace an implant simply because you found another option.

Compare:

• Capacity cost.
• Armor.
• Attribute attunement.
• Passive bonuses.
• How well it fits the build.

Cyberware Planning Routine

1. Choose the build's main playstyle.
2. Select the operating system.
3. Identify the most important offensive implant needs.
4. Add enough survivability.
5. Use mobility or utility implants where they support the role.
6. Check Cyberware Capacity before installing additional pieces.
7. Upgrade useful implants rather than replacing them blindly.

Common Cyberware Mistakes

• Ignoring capacity cost.
• Installing cyberware only for raw armor.
• Choosing implants that do not match the operating system.
• Ignoring Attribute attunement.
• Overinvesting in offense with no survivability.
• Replacing useful cyberware instead of considering an upgrade.

Bottom Line

Cyberware is one of the main foundations of a Cyberpunk 2077 build. Treat Cyberware Capacity as a budget, choose an operating system that defines the build, then fill the remaining capacity with implants that improve the same combat loop while maintaining enough armor and survivability.